Structure of zipper&#39;s teeth with either english letter or symbol appearence for identification

ABSTRACT

Present invention relates to a kind structure of zipper&#39;s teeth with either in English letter or symbol appearance which will be used for brand&#39;s or maker&#39;s identification while using subject unique zipper to be on their commodity. Herein claimed object especially indicates onto zipper&#39;s teeth made by Zinc-alloy via Thermal Press Forming process or POM teeth made by Injection Molding method. To make the shape of tiny teeth appearing either in English letter or symbol and each subject tooth is pressed to snap tightly on the zipper strap, finally to form a zipper properly. While such unique zipper (along with selected English letter or symbol appearance on teeth) is applied on each developing commodity, so as to represent who makes this commodity or easily identify the commodity source from which Brand. Meanwhile, subject teeth structure is able creating an additional feature of anti-counterfeit effectively.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

Present invention relates to a kind structure of zipper's teeth with either English letter or symbol appearance which will be able to be used for brand's or maker's identification while using this structure to form a zipper on their commodity. Herein claimed object, is specifically indicating onto zipper's teeth made by Zinc-alloy via Thermal Press Forming process or POM (polyoxymethylene) teeth made by Injection Molding method, so as to make the shape of tiny teeth to appear either in English letter or symbol, simultaneously, each tooth is pressed to snap tightly on the zipper strap, finally to form a functional zipper. While such unique zipper (along with Brand selected either English letter or symbol on teeth) is applied on each developing commodity, then this unique zipper can represent who makes this commodity or easily be identified commodity source and its Brand belongs to. Meanwhile, subject teeth structure is also able creating an additional feature of anti-counterfeit effectively.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Previously, conventional zipper's teeth either made by POM or metal (Nylon teeth zipper is not applicable), there are two portions generally composed on each individual tooth, one amid as a tip which is apart the zipper strap i.e. the coupling & uncoupling portion for zipper zip-on or zip-off. Another portion is a C-shape clamp as the fixing portion which is formed with upward and downward symmetric blocks and zipper strap is placed in between, blocks are pressed as pair to snap tightly on the zipper strap. And, under top view to look the teeth faces, usually almost all fixing portion are appearing either in rectangle or in square shape drabness without change. Currently, zipper manufacturers are putting efforts on aspects e.g. tension strength, smoothness, surface color and suitable teeth material etc. . . . . . Almost none one has ever paid attention onto the teeth shape in a different way. Normally, conventional zippers are applied on various products e.g. purse, handbag, travelling bag, clothes, pants, jacket even shoes . . . etc. are all in a simple usage for zip-on or zip-off of its basic function and none has been effectively used for identification. Besides, for brand's identification, most owners are usually using laser printing labels or special tags to represent maker or brand belonging. Even though those labels or tags are made in a special process, but those labels or tags are still easily copied, further, once those labels or tags are lost or torn off, the commodity is not easy to be recognized whether it is a real one or counterfeit item since the appearance of fake product is simulated too similar to distinguish. However, the numerous of aligned teeth with English letter or symbol appearance on an unique zipper which will increase the capability of identification for above said commodities, while such unique zipper is applied on brand's commodity which will be a particularly visible sign, so can easily distinguish the one whether is a real one or counterfeit. Furthermore, the unique zipper is a part of commodity with same life cycle as this commodity, instead of using those limited-life identification by laser print label or special tag, or other methods, thus, while subject unique zipper (along with selected English letter or symbol on teeth) is applied on each developing commodity, so as to represent who makes this commodity or easily identify the commodity source from which Brand. By this way, subject teeth structure is able creating an additional feature of anti-counterfeit effectively. In light of above, to make the shape of tiny teeth appearing either in English letter or symbol for identification is the major topic being focused for subject invention herein.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

To achieve the object herein, present invention is zipper's teeth made by Zinc-alloy via Thermal Press Forming process or POM teeth made by Injection Molding method, to make the shape of tiny teeth appearing either in English letter or symbol on subject teeth and each single tooth is pressed to snap tightly on zipper strap so as to finally form a functional zipper properly. While such unique zipper (along with selected English letter or symbol on teeth) is applied on each developing commodity, which will represent who makes this commodity or easily identify the commodity source from which Brand. By this way, subject teeth structure is able creating an additional feature of anti-counterfeit effectively. Further, said herein each tooth is made in one piece, there are two portions generally composed, one amid as tip which is apart the zipper strap i.e. the coupling/uncoupling portion which is shaped likely a concave 2-opposite slots each along with a convex wing as a tenon, is placed each side respectively. Another portion is a C-shape clamp as the fixing portion, it is formed as upward and downward identical symmetric blocks and the zipper strap is placed in between, blocks are used for press as pair to snap tightly on the zipper strap. Instead of tooth of fixing portion in rectangle or square shape as commonly used without any mark appeared, subject invention is mainly focusing on the fixing portion to form a 3D block each side with appearance of either in English letter or symbol. In light of aforementioned teeth, the fixing portion of subject teeth will be a relatively larger conjunction area with multiple points to be snapped on zipper strap; rationally subject teeth will gain a better tensile and tension strength while zipper is zipping-on.

Furthermore, while the teeth made by Zinc-alloy which melting point is over 460° C., per cycle under high temperature as tooth (teeth) forming and be pressed to snap tightly on strap almost under a simultaneous moment, one single tooth or multiple teeth within length of a couple inches to be pressed to snap on one side strap per cycle which probably could be achievable in laboratory, but it's not a practical method to be applied for mass production in zipper field. As noted, based upon current technique, it's hard almost impossible that teeth to be pressed to snap on strap with length up to 30 cm per cycle, nor a double sides teeth Snap-on straps simultaneously. For the zipper mass production concern, it is believed the length around 30 cm per cycle for teeth snap on strap is a reasonable request which neither has been achieved nor appearing English letter or symbol on teeth before. However, an advanced technology breakthrough was made by the inventor of present said invention, over 30 cm with double sides teeth to be pressed to snap tightly on straps per cycle which has be worked out successfully. It is noted this achievement is never happened previously. And, this advanced technique is also the key element to inspire the idea of invention revealed herein.

According to the above said zipper with teeth appearing either in English letter or symbol so as to reflect a sign of identification for commodity.

According to the above said zipper with teeth appearing either in English letter or symbol, said blocks at fixing portion which is showing either in convex or concave shape on the surface.

According to the above said zipper with teeth appearing either in English letter or symbol, said blocks at fixing portion, the convex shape of the surface at said block is English letter or symbol and the rest of the surface is in concave shape.

According to the above said zipper with teeth appearing either in English letter or symbol, said blocks at fixing portion, the concave part of the surface of said fixing block is showing English letter or symbol and the rest of the surface is in convex shape.

According to the above said zipper with teeth appearing either in English letter or symbol, said teeth are made by Zinc-alloy via Thermal Press Forming process.

According to the above said zipper with teeth appearing either English letter or symbol, herein, said teeth is made by POM via injection molding process.

According to the above said zipper teeth appearing either in English letter or symbol, herein, the shape of said block is one or letters combination selected among 26 English letters.

According to the above said zipper with teeth appearing either in English letter or symbol, the surface of said metal teeth herein are coated with a membrane which is for shining/smooth appearance for subject zipper lasting much longer time.

According to the above said zipper teeth appearing either in English letter or symbol, said coated surface is a thin and smooth membrane for metal teeth and such teeth are treated by electro-plating process. The appearance will also be in various color shade e.g. Silver, Copper or Gold.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

FIG. 1, is a 3D figure to show teeth shape appearing with either in English letter or symbol as the first embodiment (the teeth shape appearing with either in English letter or symbol which are snapped on the left zipper strap, as an example)

FIG. 2, is a 3D figure of the zipper which is the overall practice of first indicated embodiment.

FIG. 3, is top view of the zipper which is the first practice of first embodiment.

FIG. 4, is top view of the zipper which is the first practice of second embodiment.

FIG. 5, is top view of the zipper which is the first practice of third embodiment.

FIG. 6, is a 3D figure of the subject teeth as second practice of second embodiment (subject teeth are on the right zipper strap as an example).

FIG. 7, is a 3D figure of the zipper as the second practice.

FIG. 8, is top view of the zipper which is the second practice of second embodiment.

FIG. 9, is top view of the zipper which is the second practice of second embodiment.

FIG. 10, is top view of the zipper which is the second practice of third embodiment.

DETAIL DESCRIPTION

The description of first embodiment is as following:

As FIG. 1 and FIG. 2 shown (subject teeth are on the left zipper strap as an example), subject teeth(1) each one is made in a single piece but composed two portions, one amid as tip which is apart zipper strap i.e. the coupling/uncoupling portion. The coupling/uncoupling portion is shaped likely a concave 2-opposite slots (11,12) each along with a convex wing (13,14) as a tenon, is placed each side respectively. Another portion is a C-shape clamp as the fixing portion which formed as a symmetric upward and downward identical blocks and zipper strap is placed in between, blocks are used to be pressed to snap tightly on zipper strap(2).

The main characteristic of present invention is: The upward and downward of said fixing portion are formed into a 3D block(16), the zipper strap (2) is placed in between, the shape of said block(16) each is appearing either in English letter or a symbol. Besides, said fixing portion which block(16) formed either in English letter or symbol in pair be pressed to snap tightly on zipper strap(2), since subject way of teeth Snap-On which is in a relatively larger conjunction area plus multiple tie-down points around the irregular edge, compare to teeth of conventional zipper which fixing portion is usually shaped in either rectangle or square with less tie-down area plus flat-to-flat to be snapped on zipper strap, it's a nature course, the subject specified teeth which rationally will achieve more stronger tensile and tension strength while being snapped tightly, on zipper strap(2), in term of this way, zipper with subject teeth structure which is a superior performance over the conventional zipper. Further, said shape of fixing portion block(16) appearing in either English letter or a symbol which shape is made into hollow-carved type. In order to gain the optimal structure strength, subject teeth are made by Zinc-alloy via Thermal Press Forming process so can form the strong enough teeth to overcome the possibility of zipper teeth to be deformed or broken. On the other hand, it is able to reduce weight and save material. Besides, while subject teeth (1) are made by Zinc-alloy via Thermal Press Forming process, the original teeth will show in a metallic grey shade, in order to make it with shining/smooth appearance, the surface of subject said teeth (1) shall be treated by electroplating to be coated with a thin membrane, in addition, the appearance will be also showing in different color e.g. Silver or Copper or Gold color shade per request. It appearance will be a durable type lasting more longer than other surface treatment e.g. dipping process, chemical spray or painting etc. . . . , Again, according to the inventor's research, Electroplating for the metal teeth which is the first choice to achieve much better quality. This good quality appearance plus the feature of identification (with teeth appearing either in English letter or symbol), the commodity will gain more values directly while using subject zipper.

FIG. 2 reveals that said subject teeth (1) are pressed to snap on the opposite inner along edge sides of said zipper strap (2) respectively. While the slider (not revealed in drawings) to force each tooth thru the Y-shape tunnel, the teeth will be coupled one by one respectively so as to close the said straps as zip-on, otherwise, under opposite force direction, the zipper teeth will be uncoupled as Zip-off which is the basic function for all types of zipper commonly.

FIG. 3, FIG. 4 and FIG. 5 are the top view of the fixing portion(15) in 3 different types for subject tooth(1). The letter or symbol block(16) of said fixing portion(15) is one English letter selected as the example in the drawings herein. The shape of said letter or symbol block(16) in FIG. 3 is ┌G┘, in FIG. 4 is ┌A┘, and in FIG. 5 is ┌D┘. Three English letters said herein are hollow-carved types as the fixing portion (15) blocks (16) are pushed to snap on the zipper strap (2) which is a type of letter or symbol in a semi-see-through way (in between but blocked by zipper strap). As to said above letter or symbol formed in hollow-carved structure which is subject to be selected by Brand for identification as well as a way for anti-counterfeit. The further practices for the first embodiment is described as following:

For example, the trademark owner of “adidas” who can select zipper with teeth appearing English letter ┌A┘; the trademark owner of “Bally” who can select zipper with teeth appearing English letter ┌B┘; the trademark owner of “Coach” who can select zipper with teeth appearing English letter ┌C┘; the trademark owner of “Lacoste” who can select zipper with teeth appearing English letter ┌L┘; the trademark owner of “Nike” who can select zipper with teeth appearing English letter ┌N┘; the trademark owner of “Prada” who can select zipper with teeth appearing English letter ┌P┘; and the trademark owner “Louis Vuitton” who can select zipper with teeth appearing English letter in combination as ┌LV┘.

In light of above, the teeth shape of said letter or symbol block(16) is selected one or letters combination among 26 English letters. Since combinations are almost countless, thus, the choices will be an open-end. Furthermore, the shape of said letter or symbol block(16) also can be used for appearing in a symbol, for example, the trademark owner of “Apple” who can select zipper with teeth appearing symbol of apple; the trademark owner of “Nike” who can select zipper with teeth appearing the symbol of the “Hook”; the trademark owner of “Louis Vuitton” who can select zipper with teeth appearing the symbol of the “Cherry”; the trademark owner of “HELLO KITTY” who can select zipper with teeth appearing the symbol of the “Cat”.

As aforementioned, said teeth with either English letter or symbol block (16) each one is made typically by Zinc-alloy via Thermal Press Forming process. Present invention is an unique concept and teeth appearing with either English letter or symbol which type has never been found in prior art. Secondary, English letters or symbols can be used for identification, thus, once the real commodity (such as jacket or handbag) to be applied the zipper with teeth (1) appearing either in English letter or symbol as present invention indicated herein which will be easily to identify the “real commodity”. Furthermore, the unique zipper is a part of commodity with same life cycle as this commodity, instead of using those limited-life identification by laser print label or special tag, or other methods, thus, while such unique zipper appearing (with selected in either English letter or symbol on teeth) is applied on each developed commodity, so as to represent who makes this commodity or easily identify the commodity source from which Brand. Meanwhile, subject teeth are able creating an additional feature of anti-counterfeit effectively. The description of secondary embodiment is as following:

As FIG. 6 and FIG. 7 shown, the difference between the first embodiment and second embodiment is: the English letters or symbols which are represented on the subject block(16) of subject teeth(1) are pressed to snap tightly on the right side of zipper strap are not hollow-carved type, as examples; the second embodiment, is a surface with convex and concave appearance, as the hollow-carved block of first embodiment herein is replaced by solid block with convex and concave appearance, either the English letter or symbol is shown on said block(16) by convex shape of the appearance in second embodiment.

This (either shape in convex or concave appearance) herein said block(16) has 2 ways of showing the appearance, first, the convex part of the surface is English letter or symbol; the rest of the surface is concave; secondary, the concave part of the surface is English letter or symbol; the rest of the surface is convex. As the subject block(16) in FIG. 6 which letter appears ┌G┘ as an example, the English letter is convex shape, and the rest part of said block(16) is concave appearance. Reversely, the English letter is concave appearance, and the rest part of said block(16) is in convex shape.

The fixing portion(15) and subject teeth(1) of this first embodiment has less area of contacting between said fixing portion(15) and zipper strap(2) than the secondary embodiment, the strength of connection is relatively less than the secondary embodiment. However, the curve edge of the subject block(16) in the first embodiment which increases the contacting area between said fixing portion(15) and zipper strap(2), tensile and tension strength are still stronger than conventional one. In term of solid of said letter or symbol block (16) which is the secondary embodiment, which has no hollow-carved cavity as first embodiment, the fixing portion (15) in this embodiment, the contacting tensile and tension strength is a stronger one. Under such condition, the teeth can be made by POM via injection molding method which POM teeth are still keeping a good strength for using in normal way.

FIG. 8, FIG. 9, FIG. 10 are top view of three different fixing portion of three kinds of zinc-alloy teeth. The shape of subject letter or symbol block(16) as to the fixing portion(15) is a single English letter in the drawings herein. The shape of said letter or symbol block(16) in FIG. 8 is ┌G┘, in FIG. 9 is ┌V┘, and in FIG. 10 is ┌C┘. Said these 3 English letters each one is not a hollow-carved type, and this kind of structure of said fixing portion (15) can be used for identification as well as method for anti-counterfeit, which features are never happened by conventional zipper.

The embodiments mentioned above are just reflecting the way of teeth structure which can be made in various appearances. However, under overall consolidation, two optimized practices are indicated in present invention as either hollow-carved or solid block (16). Besides, the information either in text or example revealed herein is not a restriction to restrict as described herein only. The scope and rights for this invention indicated herein shall cover “any zipper's teeth shall be not allowable to make its appearance either in English letter or symbol” unless granted a valid authorization. And, any trying to change or modify the zipper teeth to appear either the English letter or symbol as indicated in this invention, this behavior will be deemed as infringing this invention. 

1. A kind structure of zipper's teeth appearing with either in English letter or symbol for identification, which characteristics are: The teeth(1) on a zipper appearing either in English letter or symbol as said herein, each tooth is made in one piece, there are two portions generally composed, one amid as tip which is apart the zipper strap(2) and is shaped likely a concave 2-opposite slots(11,12) along with a convex wing(13,14) as a tenon each side respectively i.e. the coupling/uncoupling portion. Another portion is a C-shape clamp as the fixing portion (15), shaped a symmetric upward and downward identical blocks and zipper strap(2) is placed in between, blocks are used to be pressed to snap tightly on zipper strap; subject invention is clearly indicating a 3D block(16) each side of zipper strap with either English letter or symbol appearance.
 2. According to claim 1, herein said letter or symbol block (16) each is a hollow-carved type structure to be pressed to snap tightly on zipper strap(2) which will be finally formed as a zipper.
 3. A tooth structure appearing either in English letter or symbol to form a zipper for purpose of identification, according to claim 2 herein said teeth (1) are made by Zinc-alloy via Thermal Press Forming process.
 4. A tooth structure appearing either in English letter or symbol to form a zipper for purpose of identification, according to claim 1 herein said block(16) which is shaped in solid type with either English letter or symbol in convex or concave structure.
 5. A tooth structure appearing either in English letter or symbol to form a zipper for purpose of identification, according to claim 4 herein said teeth (1) are made by Zinc-alloy via Thermal Press Forming process.
 6. A tooth structure appearing either in English letter or symbol to form a zipper for purpose of identification, according to claim 4 herein said block (16) is made by polyoxymethylene via Injection Molding process.
 7. A tooth structure appearing either in English letter or symbol to form a zipper for purpose of identification, according to claim 4 herein said block (16), the English letter or symbol is convex appearance; the rest of the surface is concave.
 8. A tooth structure appearing either in English letter or symbol to form a zipper for purpose of identification, according to claim 4 herein said block (16) the English letter or symbol is concave appearance; the rest of the surface is convex.
 9. A tooth structure appearing either in English letter or symbol to form a zipper for purpose of identification, according to claim 1 herein said block(16) is appearing either one letter or letters combination selected among 26 English letters.
 10. A tooth structure appearing either in English letter or symbol to form a zipper for purpose of identification, according to claim 1 herein said teeth(1) if made by metal, which surface shall be coated with a membrane in smooth/shining appearance by electroplating process. 